Boss on his new captain and how he hopes the midfielder will become the main man

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that the new responsibility of being captain of Crewe and filling the void left by Ash Westwood, will inspire Luke Murphy to a new level.

Davis is confident that there is more to come from his creative 22-year-old midfielder and he is pleased that the local lad is keen to sit down and sort out his new contract sooner rather than later. Murpy has a year left on his current deal but has made it known that he feels his football education is better served at Gresty Road until he follows the likes of Nick Powell and Westwood to a higher level.

Davis has been delighted with the way Murphy has performed since he returned to the starting line-up following a pre-season injury, and he has placed Murphy as a key member of his side as the Railwaymen aim to make an impact in League One.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Murph’s performances have been good and he is popular round the place. The players look up to him and that is why I chose him to be captain. He did a good job, accepted the extra responsibility and showed a real maturity.

Now Westy has gone to Aston Villa, he has been thrust to the forefront and will probably feel he has become the main man in there. “Over his contract, I think he wasn’t in the team, so he was waiting to get settled in again.

“I think that will help him become a better player. He is improving all the time and will get better.

Steve added: “Hopefully he comes in and signs his new deal soon because his contract is up at the end of the season, which is a bit concerning, although we'd still get compensation, it is a boost you keep your better players.”